Top Engineering Reference Materials and Guides

The best Engineering Reference includes Invention and Innovation: Hype and Failure, Fifty Innovations That Shaped Economic Progress, Perspective Made Easy (Dover Art Instruction Edition) and many others as mentioned below.

1

Invention and Innovation: Hype and Failure

  • Explores human invention's history and impact.
  • Written by New York Times bestselling author.
  • Recommended by Bill Gates for insightful analysis.
  • Distinguishes between invention and innovation effectively.
  • Examines failures of notable inventions and innovations.
  • Offers a wish list for urgent inventions needed.
  • Aligns expectations with reality in technology advancements.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $1.99
2

Fifty Innovations That Shaped Economic Progress

  • Explores 50 inventions shaping modern economy.
  • Written by best-selling author Tim Harford.
  • Relates history through intriguing stories and characters.
  • Connects inventions to broader economic impacts.
  • Insights into technology from plough to AI.
  • Witty and engaging narrative style.
  • Reflects on future implications of inventions.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.75
3

Perspective Made Easy (Dover Art Instruction Edition)

  • Learn essentials of perspective drawing.
  • Step-by-step instructions for easy understanding.
  • Over 250 clear illustrations provided.
  • Master horizon and vanishing point concepts.
  • Develop skills in placing figures and objects.
  • Create depth with shade and shadows techniques.
  • Non-technical handbook suitable for all artists.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $8.99
4

Fire and Brimstone: 1917 Mining Disaster Audiobook

  • Explores the 1917 North Butte mining disaster.
  • Tells stories of miners and their families.
  • Highlights corporate greed and labor unrest.
  • Details survival amidst smoke and poisonous gas.
  • Examines Butte's volatile social and political climate.
  • Written by acclaimed author Michael Punke.
  • Compelling narrative with contemporary relevance.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.75
5

The Pentagon's Brain Audiobook [1 CD]

  • In-depth history of DARPA's secretive activities.
  • Written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Annie Jacobsen.
  • Exclusive interviews and private documents used.
  • Explores DARPA's Cold War origins and evolution.
  • Uncovers controversial military science research initiatives.
  • Engaging narrative about science and military intersection.
  • Essential listening for history and technology enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $26.61
6

Burn Book: A Digital Romance

  • Witty insight into the tech industry's evolution.
  • Part memoir, part history of tech titans.
  • Immediate New York Times Bestseller acclaim.
  • Kara Swisher’s sharp, engaging narrative style.
  • Chronicles both innovation and its consequences.
  • Features interviews with industry-leading figures.
  • Calls for thoughtful choices in technology's future.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.74
7

Midnight in Chernobyl: Unveiling the Nuclear Disaster

  • New York Times Best Book of the Year
  • Intriguing investigation into Chernobyl's true story
  • Based on ten years of extensive research
  • Features firsthand accounts from witnesses
  • Explores propaganda and misinformation surrounding the disaster
  • Reveals lessons on humanity and environmental dangers
  • Compelling narrative that reads like a thriller
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $16.51
8

Thing Explainer: Complex Ideas Made Simple

  • Explains complex concepts in simple words.
  • Illustrated with engaging line drawings.
  • Uses only 1,000 common words.
  • Perfect for all ages, 5 to 105.
  • Answers curious questions about everyday items.
  • Humorous and interesting explanations throughout the book.
  • Encourages understanding of how things work.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.89
9

Architectural Guidelines: Enhance Your Home Design

  • Guidance on traditional architectural principles.
  • Focus on sustainability and neighborhood appropriateness.
  • Hundreds of elegant line drawings included.
  • Clear dos and don'ts for home design.
  • Learn to avoid common architectural pitfalls.
  • A definitive resource for timeless home design.
  • Created by award-winning architect Marianne Cusato.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $23.00
10

Invention and Innovation: History of Hype and Failure

  • Insightful exploration of human invention history.
  • Clarifies difference between invention and innovation.
  • Examines inventions that failed to meet expectations.
  • Discusses disastrous inventions and their consequences.
  • Highlights promising inventions still unfulfilled.
  • Offers a wish list for future innovations.
  • Aligns expectations with reality in innovation.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.50
11

Longitude: Genius Who Solved a Scientific Mystery

  • A gripping tale of scientific discovery and obsession.
  • Discover John Harrison's revolutionary quest for precision.
  • Explore the historical significance of the longitude problem.
  • Experience the challenges faced by 18th-century navigators.
  • Learn about the invention of the marine chronometer.
  • Delve into astronomy, navigation, and clockmaking history.
  • A captivating read filled with heroism and intrigue.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.99
12

Structures: Why Things Stay Standing

  • Engaging explanation of engineering principles.
  • Accessible writing for all audiences.
  • Humorous insights into everyday structures.
  • Explains concepts like stress and compression.
  • Perfect for DIY builders and curious minds.
  • Inspires understanding of technology's foundations.
  • Recognized by influential figures like Elon Musk.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $11.36
13

Humble Math – Measurement Basics Workbook

  • Comprehensive workbook for U.S. customary and metric systems.
  • Includes 100 practice pages for hands-on learning.
  • Answer key provided for easy self-assessment.
  • Perfect for ages 9 and up.
  • Covers lengths, distances, volumes, and mass units.
  • Focus on unit conversions and measurement fundamentals.
  • Engaging format to boost measurement skills.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $7.50
14

Case Study Houses: California 1945-1966 Edition

  • Explores iconic Case Study Houses from 1945-1966.
  • Features over 150 stunning photographs and plans.
  • Includes a detailed map of house locations.
  • Highlights contributions from famous architects of the era.
  • Documents modern design influences on American architecture.
  • Ideal for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs.
  • Compact guide perfect for on-the-go reference.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.93
15

Code Check 10th Edition: Safety Guide

  • Essential guide for avoiding code violations.
  • Reflects latest changes in building codes.
  • Cross-references multiple construction-related codes.
  • Clear diagrams simplify complex requirements.
  • Durable laminated pages for on-site use.
  • Emphasizes safety principles for builders.
  • Must-have for construction and renovation professionals.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $27.98
16

Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Future (Hardcover)

  • Illuminating biography of Elon Musk's life.
  • Explores technological innovations by Musk.
  • Highlights Musk’s impact on American entrepreneurship.
  • Captures Musk's journey from South Africa to success.
  • Examines competition in a globalized world.
  • Compares Musk to historical inventors and industrialists.
  • Insightful look at the future of technology.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $10.79
17

The Role of Freedom in Innovation and Ideas

  • Explores history of innovation and its significance.
  • Arguments for changing perceptions on innovation processes.
  • Distinguishes between innovation and invention effectively.
  • Highlights collaborative nature of successful innovations.
  • Shares lively stories of various innovations throughout history.
  • Addresses potential risks of an innovation famine.
  • Considers impact of innovation on modern living standards.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $7.99
18

Biogenic House Sections Manual (Model 2023)

  • Focuses on low carbon building materials.
  • Includes cross-sectional drawings of fifty-five houses.
  • Explores environmental impact of building materials.
  • Highlights plant-based and reused construction methods.
  • Features life cycle diagrams for material processing.
  • Connects architecture with environmental systems.
  • Aims to revolutionize future building practices.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $28.99
19

Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things (eBook Edition)

  • Astonishing stories behind 500 everyday items.
  • Uncover the origins of popular customs and expressions.
  • Fascinating anecdotes for history and culture enthusiasts.
  • Discover the surprising history of common inventions.
  • Engaging facts for science and trivia lovers.
  • Learn about unexpected origins of familiar products.
  • A must-read for curious minds of all ages.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.39
20

Elon Musk: Visionary Innovator Audiobook [1]

  • Authorized biography of Elon Musk.
  • Explores Musk's impact on technology and innovation.
  • Covers his journey from South Africa to Silicon Valley.
  • Highlights achievements in Tesla, SpaceX, and SolarCity.
  • Analyzes American competition in global innovation landscape.
  • Draws parallels with legendary inventors and industrialists.
  • Illuminates Musk's vision for a transformative future.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $23.62
21

Building Codes Illustrated: 2021 International Code Guide

  • Comprehensive visual guide to International Building Code.
  • Includes updates for the 2021 building regulations.
  • New chapters on plumbing, elevators, and special construction.
  • Easy navigation for quick reference and understanding.
  • Ideal for students and professionals in architecture.
  • Thorough exploration of fire protection and accessibility.
  • In-depth discussions on building materials and inspections.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $47.88
22

Longitude: Dava Sobel Audiobook [Unabridged]

  • Fascinating exploration of the longitude problem.
  • Heroic tale of John Harrison's mechanical clock invention.
  • Rich history of astronomy and navigation techniques.
  • Adventure set in the age of exploration.
  • Captivating blend of science, heroism, and absurdity.
  • Illustrates challenges faced by sailors at sea.
  • Learn about the race for a practical solution.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $10.22
23

Superbloom: Connection and Disconnection Technologies

  • Explores technology's impact on self and society.
  • Challenges beliefs about communication and free speech.
  • Highlights confusion caused by mechanized communication.
  • Examines digital crowding's effect on empathy.
  • Discusses AI blurring reality and fantasy lines.
  • Offers psychological insights and historical examples.
  • Encourages personal change amidst systemic issues.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $24.49
24

Brief History of Timekeeping eBook

  • Award-winning exploration of timekeeping history.
  • Delves into science behind measuring time.
  • From Stonehenge to modern atomic clocks.
  • Engaging for all curious readers.
  • Explains clocks, calendars, and their significance.
  • Combines history, science, and philosophy of time.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $3.99
25

Superbloom: Connection and Disconnection Technologies (Paperback)

  • Explores technology's impact on communication and society.
  • Challenges notions of self-expression and free speech.
  • Examines how social media distorts human interaction.
  • Reveals effects of AI on perception and reality.
  • Provides psychological insights into media's societal influence.
  • Argues for personal change amidst technological chaos.
  • Offers historical context of communication evolution.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.50
26

Energy: A Human History (Audiobook)

  • Explores energy transitions throughout human history.
  • Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Rhodes.
  • Covers wood, coal, oil, electricity, and renewables.
  • Highlights influential historical figures and their contributions.
  • Addresses current energy landscape and global warming.
  • Discusses future challenges of rising global population.
  • Reveals how history informs our energy future.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.71
27

Hijacking Bitcoin: Uncovering BTC's Hidden History

  • Unveils Bitcoin's hidden and controversial history.
  • Challenges popular narratives surrounding BTC's design.
  • Written by a prominent cryptocurrency industry figure.
  • Addresses critical questions about Bitcoin's decentralization.
  • Highlights corruption and propaganda in Bitcoin's evolution.
  • Reveals the impact of censorship on Bitcoin's narrative.
  • Essential reading for cryptocurrency enthusiasts and skeptics.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $11.02
28

Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods

  • Comprehensive reference for building construction professionals.
  • Thoroughly updated with latest industry advancements.
  • Covers all major construction systems and techniques.
  • Includes new illustrations and photorealistic renderings.
  • Expanded coverage of mass timber and sustainability standards.
  • Companion exercises available in print and eBook.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $73.99
  • Material: 7th Edition
29

Code Check Plumbing & Mechanical (6th Edition)

  • Stay compliant with updated plumbing codes.
  • Clear language simplifies complex code requirements.
  • Illustrated guide enhances understanding of codes.
  • Comprehensive coverage of plumbing and mechanical topics.
  • Summarized code changes for quick reference.
  • Essential for professionals at all experience levels.
  • Avoid common plumbing violations with this guide.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $22.99
30

Maker Skills Handbook: Tools & Techniques

  • Comprehensive guide for all tech makers.
  • Covers hand tools to advanced robotics.
  • Learn essential DIY techniques effectively.
  • Expert instruction from Chris Hackett.
  • Step-by-step illustrations for easy understanding.
  • Modern manufacturing technologies explained clearly.
  • Transform ideas into finished products successfully.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $2.99